Greetings From NOLA
We’ll I made it to New Orleans. My first impressions are, well, mixed.
As we were landing at MSY, we flew over several large garbage dumps with trucks lined up for what appeared to be miles, to dump what I assume is Katrina debris.
On the drive from the airport to downtown, I purposely took surface streets to see what the outlying areas looked like. I have to say, the areas I drove through appear to be springing back . . . slowly, but there is much progress.
The Superdome has for the most part, received a new roof. I drove through the areas that flooded immediately surrounding the arena, and there is very little direct evidence of the moat that once trapped many thousands of people.
The downtown area is dead . . . some buildings look to have been abandoned. Many stores, restraunts and attractions are closed permanently, or are only open on the “busy days” with dramatically reduced hours.
I enjoyed a plate of Beignets and a cup of Cafe Au Lait from Cafe Du Monde . . . they were better than people have said. Pure pleasure under a pile of powdered sugar! Hopefully I can get to their company store while they are open to pickup some Beignet mix.
The French Quarter is intact for the most part, but it too is dead. There were very few people on the street and the restaurants and bars that were open, were empty. Many businesses appear to have been closed up before the storm, never to be opened again.
This city has a heart and spirit that you can sense . . . it’s very hard to explain, but it’s a very good vibe! I understand why people are drawn here.
I’m having a hard time bringing myself to take any photos . . . I just don’t want to remember this city in the shape it’s in, while it’s getting there, it’s just not there yet.
If you have the ability, I would most definitely recommend you that you come for a visit. Airfare, hotels and food are all very reasonable. This city needs our help and tourist dollars to make its comeback.
